Exploring the relationship between golf course design and equipment technology in southern Ontario

Golf courses designed and built in Southern Ontario over the last century have evolved in both structure and style. One of the most cited reasons for changes in course structure, specifically course length, is changes in golf equipment, allowing golfers to hit the ball farther. Consequently, it has been assumed that golf course designers have lengthened courses to retain the challenge for players. This study seeks to explore the historical evolution of Southern Ontario golf course design from 1879 to 2001 and changes in golf equipment over the same period. Data were collected for 241 courses in Southern Ontario. Popular literature was reviewed to identify changes in golf equipment during this time period. Descriptive and comparative analyses of the data suggest there is a relationship between changes in golf course length and advances in playing equipment, however other factors may have influenced course length.